Newman, the mastermind of the robberies, can be seen outside the Ladbrokes store encouraging Gilbert to rob it

Detective Sergeant Jason Vickers, of Sussex Police, said: "Understandably at the time people in the area were very concerned about these armed robberies and we worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.

"Newman and Gilbert robbed these members of staff for what was, in the end, relatively small amounts of money or cigarettes.

"Yet the impact this will have on these people working in these premises will last a lifetime.

"The incidents were shocking for those involved who really did believe their lives to be in danger when they were having a gun pointed at them.

Newman was jailed for nine years at at Lewes Crown Court, East Sussex, while Gilbert was jailed for seven and a half years.

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